Hummingbird nutrition: Development of a purified diet for long-term maintenance
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1989 |
Authors: |
A. T. Brice, C. R. Grau |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Publisher: |
A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services |
Keywords: |
ascorbic-acid, calypte anna, calypte costae, hummingbird, soybean protein |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430080304.abs A purified liquid diet containing 25% solids (by weight) was developed for maintenance of adult hummingbirds so that nutritional studies could be conducted. Calypte anna and C. costae were fed the diet for at least 1 year, during which time they maintained body weights and general good health, and they molted normally. A diet containing 3% protein (dry weight basis), supplied by isolated soybean protein plus methionine, met the need for nitrogen. It was found that Calypte anna and C. costae do not need ascorbic acid in their diets.